Johnny Ertl says he would love to extend his stay at Crystal Palace beyond the end of the season and insists he never contemplated leaving the club in the summer.

The Austrian has started the Eagle's last eight games after breaking into the side and forming a strong partnership with Shaun Derry in midfield.

He looked odds on to leave in July after struggling to make an impact last season and was strongly linked with a move abroad, but he says he knew his future always lied at Selhurst Park.

"It was never in doubt I would stay here," he said.

"After last year when I got those games under my belt at the end of the season, a lot of supporters came up to me and said they wanted me to stay.

"The gaffer and I had a chat after the last game and we decided I was staying here.

"For me it was clear that I wanted to still be here and give everything and get a chance.

"Now I am enjoying every single game in this league because they are tough games and I love British football.

"But my contract ends next year so we will see, my main focus right now though is just to get as many games as possible.

"If there is a possibility, I want to stay at this club as I love it here, Selhurst Park has a really special atmosphere.

"The lads at this club are helpful and we have a really good bunch of players.

"When you come from abroad it's important to feel comfortable at the club and I do."

Ertl has been capped seven times by his country but lost his place last season when he was failing to play regular games for Palace.

He has yet to regain it but is hopeful coach Dietmar Constantini will spot his impressive form.

"It's always a big big honour to play for your home country but right now there are a lot of changes in the national team," he said.

"I want to play for Austria again but the main thing is to play in the club and be a regular.

"That's the most important thing and then everything else comes from that."